EPL: Manchester United go 12 points clear off City

Manchester, Feb 11: The 20th league title is nearing for Manchester United after going 12 points clear off Manchester City with only 12 games to go this season.

Certainly there won't be a comeback from City this time out. This is United's biggest lead in 12 years. Sir Alex Ferguson's can now look forward to the clash of the season against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Everton were comfortably beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford, unlike last season's 4-4 comeback which Ferguson feels was the reason City could catch up on the title race.

United's main focus was not allowing Marouane Fellaini have much time on the ball. However, Everton did seem a bit strong moving forward, but not as they did at Goodison Park in August.

David Moyes had to call upon Johnny Heitinga off the bench to replace Sylvian Distin, who fell ill just before kick-off. And Robin van Persie didn't take long to threaten Everton's defence. The Dutchman already hit the post before Ryan Giggs netted United first in 13 minutes.

Giggs, 39, has now scored in all 23 seasons he has played at United.

Everton did not sit back and wait for United but they too tested David de Gea. The young Spaniard denied Leon Osman and Nemanja Vidic blocked shots from Kevin Mirallas and Darron Gibson.

On the other end, during first half injury time, Everton tried to play high line but paid the price as Rafael slipped a through their defence to Van Persie free. The Dutchman rounded up Tim Howard again but found the net this time.